Overview

• Zola is confirmed as Francesco Molinari’s designated on‑course buggy driver at Bethpage Black this week.
• He has been invited into captain Luke Donald’s backroom team and was with Europe during Tuesday practice rounds.
• Leveraging his football background, Zola told Sky Sports players should form a “protection bubble” and turn partisan pressure to their advantage.
• Molinari cites a friendship dating to 2009 and describes Zola, a single‑figure handicapper and regular BMW PGA pro‑am participant, as a natural pick.
• Europe expects a raucous home crowd in New York, and Zola’s role includes offering guidance on crowd management and team morale.